Satisfaction with radiotherapy care among cancer patients treated in Germany-secondary analysis of alarge multicenter study.

Abstract

Patient satisfaction with healthcare has been linked to clinical outcomes and regulatory agencies demand its regular assessment. Therefore, we aimed to investigate patient satisfaction with radiotherapy care and its determinants. This is asecondary analysis of amulticenter prospective cross-sectional study. Eligible cancer patients anonymously completed questionnaires at the end of acourse of radiotherapy. The outcome variable was overall patient satisfaction with radiotherapy care measured with a10-point Likert scaled single-item. Given patient satisfaction was defined for patients scoring ≥ 8points. Determinants of given patient satisfaction were assessed by univariable and multivariable analyses. Ap-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 2341 eligible patients, 1075 participated (participation rate 46%). Data on patient satisfaction was provided by 1054 patients. There was aright-skewed distribution towards more patient satisfaction (mean = 8.8; SD = 1.68). Given patient satisfaction was reported by 85% (899/1054) of the patients. Univariable analyses revealed significant associations of lower patient satisfaction with tumor entity (rectal cancer), concomitant chemotherapy, inpatient care, treating center, lower income, higher costs, and lower quality of life. Rectal cancer as tumor entity, treating center, and higher quality of life remained significant determinants of patient satisfaction in amultivariable logistic regression. Overall patient satisfaction with radiotherapy care was high across 11centers in Germany. Determinants of patient satisfaction were tumor entity, treating center, and quality of life. Although these data are exploratory, they may inform other centers and future efforts to maintain high levels of patient satisfaction with radiotherapy care.